Matthew 7:1 We shouldn’t judge.

It appears that people use this Scripture when they don’t want to say or hear anything bad about the accused. But everyone would probably agree that it is selectively applied, because sometimes people really do make judgments about others. So how should this Scripture really be applied?

Matthew 7 indicates that with whatever judgment we judge others, we’ll be judged. (In other words, confess your own sins and repent of them before pointing out the sins of others.) This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t judge at all—in fact, in other places, we’re commanded to. Here are only two: John 7:24: “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” Psalm 37:30: “The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.”

When we post the truth that we know about the abuse allegations at BJU, our purpose is not to condemn anyone; God knows the actions, thoughts, and motives of every person’s heart, including ours. But it’s right to stand with those who have been harmed and who aren’t ready for one reason or another to stand alone. This is, as far as we understand the Scriptures, is “judging righteous judgment.” And yes, we’re willing to be judged by the same standard that we’re proclaiming: Confession and repentance of sin. Living a life of openness and honesty. Eschewing duplicity, hypocrisy, and dissimulation. And we’re praying and calling for humility and true repentance that will eventually bring about reconciliation and show the true love of the God who gave Himself for us.